Inside Stacey Vaeth Photography with the Totally Awesome Awards 2016

Stacey Vaeth Photography just won a Totally Awesome Award for Most Popular Family Photographer in Seattle. We recently spoke to Stacey Vaeth about her experience as a business owner, the best advice she’s ever received and more. Hear what she has to say below!

Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Most Awesome Family Photographer” – what do your customers value most about your business?Stacey Vaeth: Our customer service, laid back and fun attitudes, and professionalism. Oh, and our artistry!

RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know?SV: Although we opened our doors in Washington, DC in 2008, we recently expanded to hire two additional staff photographers as well as open a Seattle office. So now, I am in DC shooting for the spring and fall, and out with Seattle clients the remainder of the year! It’s been a wild, exciting ride.

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RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation?SV: I’m a fourth generation photographer from Rochester, New York. From the time of three years old, traveling with my family on assignments my Dad received from his job at Kodak, I knew I wanted to be a photographer. Beginning the business and building it was one of the scariest, most exciting, hardworking times in my life so far. And I wouldn’t change it for a thing.

RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above.SV: Coffee. Until I get sick of it every so often and take a break for warm water and lemon.

RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you?SV: One client and her son brought me a goodie bag to our early morning shoot. Complete with cookies, pretzels, halloween candy, and a bottle of water. That was pretty awesome.

RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner?SV: I can’t really think of any pet peeves, because if something bothers me it’s usually a reflection that my policies aren’t clear enough. So I make that change and all is usually smooth sailing again.

RT: How do you keep your stress levels down?SV: Run, travel, yoga and laugh a lot.

RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner?SV: Juggling 27 different hats all at once and keeping it all straight.

RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)?SV: If you procrastinate on it, hire it out.

RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?SV: To give oysters another shot. Nope. Still allergic to them.

RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers?SV: We’re giving 10% off of our session fees to Red Tricycle readers for any session booked in 2017!